Gorencephalic – Gore of the Forgotten

Gorencephalic is a death metal four piece combo from Feira de Santana, Bahia (Brazil). The line-up of the band founded in 2023, is comprised of Krusius Barreto (bass & vocals), Yuri Hamayano (drums), Andrey Braga (guitar) and Fulvio Alsan (guitar). In spite of the fact that the band was formed just three years ago, the quartet features some experienced musicians from the Brazilian scene – formerly of bands like Deformity BR.

As mentioned above, the band was created in 2023 when they also released two digital singles. Then their debut EP, entitled Gore of the Forgotten, was released on a professional CD in Brazil. This is the European version of the CD, featuring bonus tracks (two bonus live songs only on the CD!) through French based, Nihilistic Holocaust Records. Gore of the Forgotten is again professionally packed with all the essential information on the band.

Now to the most important thing, my thoughts on this eight-tracker CD. I would describe their sound as a mixture between brutal- and old-school death metal. The main focus is on creating a raw, brutal, old-school and slightly technical death metal sound. They successfully carrying it out with catchy and well-crafted guitar riffs and numerous addictive melodic lines, with the vocals which are deep and growling, and finally the bass which is audible and well-executed. First five or six tracks from Gore of the Forgotten all differ in character; from a direct classic brutality, through more technicaly complex and slightly abstract structures, often supplemented by a dark, doomish and almost a black metal atmosphere.

Having listened to Gore of the Forgotten for the fifth time now, I can tell that I begin to like these two live bonus tracks, “Procedure” and “Agony Yells”, more and more, as these two tracks both sound exceptionally heavy and brutal, while they simultaneously bring the true spirit of their raw and old-school artistry, emotional vulnerability and a spontaneous creativity that these four guys definitely possess.

Thus, the music features a dynamic mix of varied and engaging and appealing tempo shifts, often changing between fast and aggressive sections to more heavy and rhythmic moments. These rhythmic moments are perfectly exemplified on third song called “Metrazol Convulsions”, featuring many rhythmic moments, accompanied by some other parts that are faster. The production is raw, organic and analog-sounding, bringing a 90s aesthetic to the material while it evokes nostalgia through textured warmth.

Ultimately; Gore of the Forgotten is a promising and high-quality debut EP. I will strongly motivate and encourage fans an old-school brutal and technical death metal (and worshippers of a late 90s acts like Sinister, Cannibal Corpse, Excoriate, Adrenogore, Mortal Decay…) to keep an eye on the band.

For further information on this pure analog aggression and brutality from the state of Bahia, Brazil (limited to 200 copies!) visit label’s bandcamp and take a listen to the whole release at the link below.